British Cycling warns riders about speaking out on scandals in leaked email
An email from British Cycling's programmes director, leaked to newspapers, appears to threaten riders about speaking out against the governing body
British Cycling's new technical director, Andy Harrison, warned riders that speaking out on the recent scandals to hit the governing body could affect how they are supported in the future in an email leaked to several newspapers.
Harrison, who signed the email with his previous title of programmes director, said that riders were free to accept or decline interviews with the media, but asked them to toe the party line if asked about the scandals.
He pointed out the sexism and discrimination allegations made against Shane Sutton, the investigation ongoing into the sale of Great Britain kit online, and the anti-doping violation of Simon Yates.
"You are free to say yes or no to interviews, but how you respond will be a big factor in our ability to support you as the current season unfolds," the email, printed by The Times, read.
It continued: "It is highly likely that you will be asked for a comment over the weekend. As stated, your response will be a big factor going forward. If asked about this week’s events, we ask that you reflect the following messaging:
"-'The specific allegations that have been circulating in the media over the past week are extremely serious and I’m pleased to see that British Cycling and UK Sport are launching a full enquiry.
"- 'I’m confident that they will get to the bottom of these allegations and that British Cycling will emerge stronger as a result.'”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> How British Cycling’s nightmare week unfolded
According to The Times, one rider asked Harrison what was meant by the comments about the team's ability to support the riders, prompting the coach to send a second email just over an hour later, apologising for his "poorly constructed" wording.
“I want to apologise if the first line of the below email is misleading,” he said in the second email. “The intention of the sentence was to highlight that I want my (and the staff’s) time to be focussed upon supporting you (‘the riders’).
“This week has been difficult. The serious issues raised are important and will be dealt with in the correct manner (as indicated in the original email). My hope is that I can spend less time reacting (as has been the necessity this week) and more time supporting the programme (staff and riders).
“I hope this makes sense. Once again I apologise if this genuine sentiment has been lost in a poorly constructed sentence. As always don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss further.”
>>> What you need to know about the British Cycling discrimination scandal
The emails appeared to come shortly after British Cycling's torrid week at the end of April. Separate investigations are ongoing into allegations of sexism and discrimination within the governing body, and the sale of Lottery-funded equipment online.
Harrison said in his initial email: "Nobody wants this review to get to the root of this serious issue more than us so we can address any shortcomings and continue to build on the massive success we have achieved in recent years."
Responding to the story about Harrison's emails to the riders, a British Cycling spokesperson told the Telegraph: “Andy immediately apologised and issued a quick clarification as riders have been told throughout recent weeks that they are free to speak of their own experiences to the media.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Conservative London mayor candidate vows to tear out 'havoc-causing cycle lanes' if elected into office
As well as removing cycle lanes in the capital, Susan Hall also promises to back any group that wants rid of LTNs in London
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Luis León Sánchez and Greg Van Avermaet the latest retired pros to 'go gravel'
It's a list that only keeps growing, as former WorldTour riders seek to fulfil the competitive urge in a low-pressure environment
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Talks underway to take Tour of Britain Women to Wales this year
Wrexham Council in discussions with British Cycling officials to host second stage as race potentially set to start in Wales
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British National Road Championships return to Saltburn in 2024
The events will take place in the north east of England for the second year running
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'My legs are screaming' - 17-year-old stuns with two gold medals at the British Track Championships
Sam Fisher enjoyed a dream day with victories in the team pursuit and scratch race
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I'm in shock' - 16-year-old school student wins medal at British Track Championships
A-Level student Henry Hobbs rode a blistering kilometre time trial to earn a spot on the podium
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Olympic hopeful Will Perrett dazzles at British Track Championships
27-year-old gains three laps to win points race in style, on a night when para-cycling national records tumbled
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Wout van Aert and Visma-Lease a Bike left out of pocket by Tour of Britain organiser's collapse
Prize money for 2023 race unpaid, riders union says national federation must ‘bear the debts’ of previous organiser, SweetSpot
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tour of Britain and Women's Tour future guaranteed by British Cycling, but women's race in doubt for 2024
National federation committed to ensuring men's and women’s races take place this year but CEO admits it is in a ‘race against the clock’ to put on women's event
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Great Britain collect best ever medal tally at ‘fantastic’ European Track Championships
Performance director Stephen Park hails squad after claiming 14 medals
By Tom Davidson Published